Health bosses are urging people to get vaccinated with the flu jab as winter rolls around.

Despite thousands of people having already been vaccinated in Bracknell and Ascot, local GP and leading health service commissioner, Dr Andy Brooks is reassuring people that more flu vaccinations will be available for those who need them.

READ MORE: Which lockdown tier is Bracknell in? Check your postcode here

Patients who are eligible for the flu jab are being reassured that they will receive it this year.

He said: “It’s brilliant that we’re seeing a huge increase in the number of people wanting to be vaccinated and I hope that this continues over the coming weeks and months.

“However, it has meant that some people have unfortunately not been able to get vaccinated straight away, as a few of our GP practices have either used their first deliveries of the vaccine or are running low due to an increase in demand.

ALSO READ: Bracknell coronavirus 'hotspots' revealed on new interactive map

“Because of the scale of the operation, GP practices receive their flu vaccines in phases, which means that they do not have all their stock at once. This can be due to a number of reasons including to ensure the safe storage of the vaccine (cold chain) as well as orders being received from different suppliers."

In light of Covid-19 and social distancing rules in place, the way in which GP practices are offering the vaccination may differ from previous years to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.

Here in Bracknell, whilst some practices will continue to see patients at their practice with pre-booked appointments, others have teamed up with a series of venues to offer pre-booked flu clinics out in the community including a local scout hut; a community centre car-park; and a local school (outside of operating hours).

Where other venues are being used, correct infection control measures are being followed.

Dr Ivan Aloysius, a local GP and an immunisation lead, said: “GP practices receive phased deliveries of the flu vaccine which means that they do not have all their stock at once. This can be due to a number of reasons including to ensure the safe storage of the vaccine within practices (cold chain) as well as orders being delivered by different suppliers.

“Flu clinics are therefore being scheduled to coincide with these deliveries with appointments being staggered or even delayed in some instances depending on the delivery of vaccines.”

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people.

You're more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days. It is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

The flu vaccination is the best protection for you and those around you which is why it is offered for free for those most at risk.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu, we advise:-

•wash your hands often with warm water and soap

•use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze

•bin used tissues as quickly as possible